Effect of temperature variation on estrogen and progesterone hormone during various stages of reproduction in Chhotanagpuri Ewe

The present study was carried out to see the effect of different housing system in Chhotanagpuri ewes. The animals were selected from Mega Sheep seed Project (MSSP), ICAR, Ranchi Veterinary College, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, for the present experiment. A total of 24 non-pregnant parous healthy ewes were allocated to three different groups consisting of 8 animals each. Animals of group I were kept between the temperature range of 35°C to 40°C and maintained in hot humid condition. Animals of group II were kept under semi-intensive system maintain temperature between 20°C -27°C. Animals of group III were kept under loose housing system and served as control. Plasma estrogen and plasma progesterone concentration were estimated during the experiment. The ewes allotted to different treatment groups were of nearly similar age and body weight. The study revealed that the plasma estrogen, plasma progesterone and concentration between different groups did not vary significantly while all the above hormones varied significantly within the group. The level of plasma estrogen decreased significantly upto day 45 of gestation then increased gradually and significantly upto expected day of parturition in all the groups. The level of plasma progesterone significantly increased from day 20 to day 135 of gestation in comparison to the day of estrus (day 0) in all the groups.